Imperial Japanese WW2 Paratrooper (Teishin Shudan - Raiding Group) badge in finest embroidery. Cotton, silk and bullion. Slightly worn backing (sage green in colour). Somewhat fatigued green paper back. Badge shows many aspects not seen on the usual (triangle shape eye-type) copies. This badge was brought back by US Army officer stationed in Japan in the 1950's. Quality is excellent, industrial quality UV test showed no glow of any kind (no newer materials found). Eligible for wear of such badge were the Paratroopers (Special Forces/Airborne) - along with the Air Force crews assisting the drops. Both were part of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (IJAAF). We know of few variations in these badges (some made in all bullion thread). Limited actions of these units were conducted in Sumatra, Burma and few other places. Beginnings were very productive - especially Battle of Palembang (Dutch East Indies). Philippine campaigns were not so kind to the Japanese Paratroopers. During battle of Leyte they were vitually annihilated by the American 11th Airborne and 38th Infantry Division. In turn, all insignia are rare. Original design drawings of the badge are known, but examples produced differed considerably. Details of the Kite (bird) being the chief differences. Some exact copies did surface a while back but were produced in Japan by a known dealer. Wing spread of 84mm, 30mm top to bottom (embroidery measurements only as backing is larger). Excellent example. Item # Jap-13. *SOLD*
Order of the Rising Sun - Grand Cross. Excellent set of sash badge, breast star and full sash ribbon. All original and in excellent condition. Quality is outstanding. Silver, gilt and flawless enamels. Item # Jap-11 *SOLD*
Order of the Golden Kite, 6th class. Splendid example in silver gilt. Original ribbon. Showing light wear and typical marks. Earlier type (Meiji/Taisho period). 56mm x 43mm. Item # Jap-2 *SOLD*
1931-34 China Incident medal. Commemorates Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931. All original. Bronze, 30mm. Silk ribbon, clasp and fancy suspension. Reverse featuring Japanese Army and Navy helmets. Very good condition, light age darkening. Very interesting and not often seen medal. Item # Jap-4. (80)
War against Russia (1904-05) medal. Bronze gilt. Original ribbon stained. Complete with proper bar and swivelling suspension. Original loop/catch to back of ribbon. Slightly loose to suspension but not serious. Shows little age darkening. Medal commemorates the war for the control of Manchuria, Korea and parts of Northern China. War started with the attack on Port Arthur in February 1904. Hostilities ended in September 1905 with the Treaty of Portsmouth, after the Japanese victories of Mukden and Tsushima.Item # Jap-5 (84)
First National Census (October 1920) commemorative medal. Fancy suspension in form of a leaf. Bronze, original ribbon lightly soiled. Very good condition. 30mm. Item # Jap-6. (48)
Order of the Golden Kite (Kinshi kunsho) 5th Class. This was purely a military Order, awarded for bravery on the battlefield and distinguished military service. Original ribbon lightly soiled, light chipping to enamels (top most ray) but not detractive. Judging by the wing/head details this seems to be the earlier type - Meiji period (1890's-1911). Getting hard to find in this class. Silver, multi part construction (slightly loose but this is normal for this decoration). Overall very good condition. Very attractive.Item # Jap-1 *SOLD*
WW1 Interallied Victory Medal with original award diploma and wooden box of issue. Fabulous set! This was awarded in 1919 (dec 15) - making it fairly early; to an Army Artillery Private 1st class. Medal in excellent condition, box shows slight wear, document is rather nicely preserved but with typical yellowing to borders and few scuffs. Medals is the official type, ribbon is original and with proper hook/loop attachments. Would be hard to find a better set. Item # Jap-16 *Sold*
Interallied Victory Medal, older reproduction. 37mm dia. Exactly as shown in Laslo's book. Large ball suspension, piece of original period ribbon. Unmarked. Item # Jap-14 *SOLD*
WW1 Interallied Victory Medal. Official issue. A 'textbook' perfect example in quality, condition and ribbon (with proper hook/eye arrangement). 36mm diameter. Item # Jap-7. *Sold*
Imperial Japan Aviation Association - merit badge.Appears to be early 1930's, many young members went on to became Fighter pilots during WW2. Lightly gilded engine parts and green enamelled centre may indicate a 'special' merit badge. Original, fitted and lined box of issue. This is a particularly nice example, crafted in silver. Thoroughly marked. Embossing on the lid translates to: ‘Merit Member Badge, Imperial Aviation Association’. Original red label under the lid (we are not sure what it reads). Dark blue velour lining. Badge measures 29.5mm x 14mm. Condition is great (few mionor 'spider-web' lines). No chipping to enamels. Propeller is lightly vaulted, reverse is well marked and complete with original pin for fastening. Wooden box measures 60mm x 48.5 mm x 17mm. Very nice example. Item # Jap-12 *SOLD*
Japan - Showa 12 (1937), Aug 13 Commemorative medal. Nice design with a stylized Japanese flag above the medal. Very thin coat of white and red enamel. Some flaked off at bottom. Reverse inscribed in Japanese. Original ribbon. Very good condition. Appears to be in silver. Item # Jap-8. *Sold*
Japanese Red Cross Order of Merit - 5th class. Very nice example in original, fitted case of issue. Silver, enamels intact. Original ribbon. Multi part construction. Excellent quality. 47mm wide. Item # Rdc-118 *SOLD*
Imperial Sea Disaster Rescue Society medal 1st grade. Super rare in this class, all matt gilt medal with shiny trident/inscription on reverse. Original ribbon and suspension bar. Obverse portraying two men who are clinging to the mast of a sinking ship amidst raging seas. Reverse shows an emblem of a trident with two crossed axes atop, small dolphins to sides and the inscription in Japanese. Translation: "Merit Medal, Imperial Sea Disaster Rescue Society". 1st class medals are scarce. If you're missing one to complete a set - here is your chance. 32mm in diameter. Shows light wear, ribbon lightly faded with little fraying to right side (next to suspension). Overall very good condition. Note that many people confuse 1st class with 2nd (which is matt gilt with silver center). Cost is considerably below (yr. 2000) price guide. Item # Jap-9. *Sold*
WW1 Commemorative medal. 1914-1920 (2nd) type. The first type (1914-15) is rare as few were made - purportedly the original die was damaged while striking. It was fixed giving less relief to details--hence, the 2nd type. The 1st type was awarded to those who captured the German colony of Tsing-Tao and the German held Pacific islands in 1914-15. The 2nd type was given to nationals taking part in actions in the Mediterranean and Siberia (Vladivostok). Bronze, 30mm. Fancy suspension and original clasp. Original silk ribbon is somewhat faded and has few pulls, but they are not detractive. Complete with original, felt-lined wooden case of issue. Gold embossed Japanese characters to lid (gold is worn but still visible). Very attractive set. Hard to find complete. Would surely add a nice accent to a Great War medals collection.Item # Jap-10. *SOLD*